Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Posts: 29586 Location: La La Land
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 10:46 pm Post subject: If you could get an all expenses paid trip to any city in Europe, which city would you choose?
Choosing between Rome and France would be VERY tough for me.
Rome has the Vatican and architecture dating back 2000 years and Italian food.
Paris has the Louvre. And France is known for their wine. I guess I'd go Paris. I'm a sucker for the greatest art museum in the world. _________________ "Every hurt is a lesson, and every lesson makes you better”
Last edited by kikanga on Mon Feb 25, 2019 4:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
Zagreb, Croatia _________________ I'm On point, On task, On message, and Off drugs. A Streetwise Smart Bomb, Out of rehab and In denial. Over the Top, On the edge, Under the Radar, and In Control. Behind the 8 ball, Ahead of the Curve and I've got a Love Child who sends me Hate mail.
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 1:11 am Post subject: Re: If you could get an all expensed paid trip to any city in Europe, which city would you choose?
kikanga wrote:
Choosing between Rome and France would be VERY tough for me.
Rome has the Vatican and architecture dating back 2000 years and Italian food.
Paris has the Louvre. And France is known for their wine. I guess I'd go Paris. I'm a sucker for the greatest art museum in the world.
I've been to both cities a couple of times, and each has its own charm and amazing sites. But to me Rome is just incomparable to any other city. If you love history Rome is the city for you. 3 of the best sites are already within a few minutes walk from each other (Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum). The Vatican museum also has some amazing pieces in its collection.
Just don't visit Rome in July or August, the heat is almost unbearable and the tourists can be annoying (like fighting over a selfie spot by the Trevi fountain).
I think hotels are slightly more expensive in Rome, so if it's an all-expense paid vacation that's already an advantage right there. _________________ “Properly read, the bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.”
― Isaac Asimov
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 36128 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 2:33 am Post subject:
Absolutely pick Rome. Paris is one of the worst cities I have ever visited. It's hot, dirty, crowded, and full of rude pricks who hate foreigners in general and Americans in particular.
To me, the Lourve was too big and maze-like. Only ten percent of its collections are on display at any given time, though major works like the Mona Lisa and the Venus De Milo always are. I had a better time at the Musee d'Orsay. _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
If you’re trying to decide, you might also ask people to state whether they have already been to the place they are choosing.
There’s a good chance if I were to get a paid trip to Europe, I’ll use it for a city I’ve yet to visit even if it is not “better” than one I’ve already been to.
Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 90316 Location: Formerly Known As 24
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 10:14 am Post subject:
Paris is the NYC of Europe. Important and filled with amazing things to do see eat and drink, but also full of itself. _________________ “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ― Elie Wiesel
Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 90316 Location: Formerly Known As 24
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 10:29 am Post subject:
Underrated choice is London. Very expensive and difficult to navigate, but loaded with history (in addition to the local history, the brits brought everything they could haul home with them from their empire), and some of the best Indian food on the planet outside of India (and maybe even including). _________________ “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ― Elie Wiesel
Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 40345 Location: Dirty South
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 10:38 am Post subject:
Omar Little wrote:
Underrated choice is London. Very expensive and difficult to navigate, but loaded with history (in addition to the local history, the brits brought everything they could haul home with them from their empire), and some of the best Indian food on the planet outside of India (and maybe even including).
if I had only one chance to travel to Europe and had doubts I would be able to return.....it would probably be to Paris or London because they are kind of set up for tourists and there is a lot to see and do for anyone. Similar if I was in Europe and had the same deal about visiting America, it would be NYC....not because there are not more beautiful places and sights in America....but if it is a one time thing, it is kind of just the biggest bang for the buck. Now if I planned on traveling a lot, I would definitely open up the list and be selective based on specific things I may be interested in at the time....and be a little more adventurous.
I was in Paris and Rome in January (first time). I liked both but definitely preferred Rome. The history there (forum/coliseum/vatican/etc.) along with the food was great. I do prefer italian food/wine to french though.
I loved Barcelona though, so during the summer that may be my pick. And Florence is the most beautiful city I've ever seen.
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 36128 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 11:39 am Post subject:
cathy78 wrote:
Stockholm
Stockholm is the best city I have ever been to.
loslakersss wrote:
I was in Paris and Rome in January (first time). I liked both but definitely preferred Rome. The history there (forum/coliseum/vatican/etc.) along with the food was great. I do prefer italian food/wine to french though.
I loved Barcelona though, so during the summer that may be my pick. And Florence is the most beautiful city I've ever seen.
Really? I found Florence to be very overrated. What's so great about it other than David?
Omar Little wrote:
Underrated choice is London. Very expensive and difficult to navigate, but loaded with history (in addition to the local history, the brits brought everything they could haul home with them from their empire), and some of the best Indian food on the planet outside of India (and maybe even including).
Agreed on the Indian food. Have you been here before?
I loved Barcelona though, so during the summer that may be my pick. And Florence is the most beautiful city I've ever seen.
Really? I found Florence to be very overrated. What's so great about it other than David?
I loved the old town feel it had to it. A lot of the other touristy cities I went to didn't feel like the preserved as much of what the city used to be as Florence did. Like you had a big mix of historical stuff and modern stuff, where in Florence it felt like it was mostly untouched.
The landscape with the hills and the river was just so pleasant to look at. It's what I was hoping for Paris, that feeling of being in a different era. It's definitely a calm city though, which isn't for everyone, although it does have some nice bars and clubs too.
Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 90316 Location: Formerly Known As 24
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 1:14 pm Post subject:
loslakersss wrote:
CandyCanes wrote:
loslakersss wrote:
I loved Barcelona though, so during the summer that may be my pick. And Florence is the most beautiful city I've ever seen.
Really? I found Florence to be very overrated. What's so great about it other than David?
I loved the old town feel it had to it. A lot of the other touristy cities I went to didn't feel like the preserved as much of what the city used to be as Florence did. Like you had a big mix of historical stuff and modern stuff, where in Florence it felt like it was mostly untouched.
The landscape with the hills and the river was just so pleasant to look at. It's what I was hoping for Paris, that feeling of being in a different era. It's definitely a calm city though, which isn't for everyone, although it does have some nice bars and clubs too.
I think there's an age and taste issue that isn't a right or wrong. Canes seems to prefer sleek, modern, clean, and with fairly mainstream tourist things. Which is probably appropriate. Whereas you or I might prefer more laid back, historical, provincial even. _________________ “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ― Elie Wiesel
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 36128 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 1:30 pm Post subject:
I just didn’t think there was that much to do in Florence. I went to the Academia to see David, the Uffizi, climbed the Duomo and the Bell Tower, visited the various basilicas and plazas, and the Bobobli Gardens. I actually though the art in Florence was second rate compared to London, Paris, and Rome even though that’s what it’s supposed to be known for.
I’m also not a fan of Venice. The whole city is a giant tourist trap. _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
I was in Paris and Rome in January (first time). I liked both but definitely preferred Rome. The history there (forum/coliseum/vatican/etc.) along with the food was great. I do prefer italian food/wine to french though.
I loved Barcelona though, so during the summer that may be my pick. And Florence is the most beautiful city I've ever seen.
Florence is my #1 favorite city of all-time man, although, I haven't been to Japan yet which from what I have heard, could change that.
I was in Paris and Rome in January (first time). I liked both but definitely preferred Rome. The history there (forum/coliseum/vatican/etc.) along with the food was great. I do prefer italian food/wine to french though.
I loved Barcelona though, so during the summer that may be my pick. And Florence is the most beautiful city I've ever seen.
Florence is my #1 favorite city of all-time man, although, I haven't been to Japan yet which from what I have heard, could change that.
I heard the same thing about Japan, it's next on my list.
I just didn’t think there was that much to do in Florence. I went to the Academia to see David, the Uffizi, climbed the Duomo and the Bell Tower, visited the various basilicas and plazas, and the Bobobli Gardens. I actually though the art in Florence was second rate compared to London, Paris, and Rome even though that’s what it’s supposed to be known for.
I’m also not a fan of Venice. The whole city is a giant tourist trap.
For the art/museums it's definitely more limited than the other cities mentioned since it's pretty much all the same kind where in London or Paris you're getting more art from around the world and different time periods. The modern art in London was great.
I agree regarding Venice and wanted to say thanks for your advice which led to me only spending 6 hours there instead of multiple days; that was a perfect amount of time for me in that city TBH.
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 36128 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 2:13 pm Post subject:
loslakersss wrote:
CandyCanes wrote:
I just didn’t think there was that much to do in Florence. I went to the Academia to see David, the Uffizi, climbed the Duomo and the Bell Tower, visited the various basilicas and plazas, and the Bobobli Gardens. I actually though the art in Florence was second rate compared to London, Paris, and Rome even though that’s what it’s supposed to be known for.
I’m also not a fan of Venice. The whole city is a giant tourist trap.
For the art/museums it's definitely more limited than the other cities mentioned since it's pretty much all the same kind where in London or Paris you're getting more art from around the world and different time periods. The modern art in London was great.
I agree regarding Venice and wanted to say thanks for your advice which led to me only spending 6 hours there instead of multiple days; that was a perfect amount of time for me in that city TBH.
How did you end up spending six hours there? Layover on a flight or something?
I really have no idea why so many people list Venice as one of their dream destinations. _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Posts: 29586 Location: La La Land
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 2:25 pm Post subject:
I will say Venice is a fantastic city to get "lost" in. You can't really get lost because of the signs everywhere.
But if you do go there (or pretty much any touristy city in Europe). Grab food away from the tourist sites. Walk a mile away. That's what me and a buddy did in Venice. Went to a restaurant where nobody spoke English. Alot of the locals ate there. And we had the best Italian food of our lives. _________________ "Every hurt is a lesson, and every lesson makes you better”
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